Francis H. Musselman ’53

April 3, 2013

Francis H. Musselman ’53 was a longtime managing partner at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy and founder of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. He passed away on April 3, 2013, at the age of 87.

Musselman was born in Utica, N.Y., in 1925. He received a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in 1950, and a J.D. from Columbia Law School three years later.

Following graduation, Musselman served as an associate in the Milbank’s New York City office from 1953 to 1960, when he was named a partner. During the course of nearly 40 years at the firm, he became known for his expertise in bankruptcy law, corporate reorganization, and law firm management. Musselman served as managing partner at Milbank from 1970 to 1984, founding the firm’s Washington, D.C., office during this time. He was also a staunch proponent of technology in law, and, under Musselman’s guidance, Milbank was one of the first law firms to use computers as part of its operating procedures.

Though he retired from Milbank in 1990, Musselman continued to advise companies and law firms in bankruptcy proceedings. He served as chairman of the board of trustees at Kirkland College, and as a member of the board of directors for his alma mater, Hamilton College. Musselman received an honorary doctor of laws degree from that school in 2005, as well as an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, N.Y., in 1994.

Musselman was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie. He is survived by his daughters, Martha Christina Musselman Sheridan, Kathryn Ann Musselman Bourbonniere, and Carol Elizabeth Musselman Kuntz; his son, John Francis Musselman; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.